THE ROOT MEANING OF "NANA" IN SENYA LANGUAGE.



In my previous post I made reference to "Nana" as a Senya word but many readers sought clarity on that assertion since it is largely known as an Akan word. And in fact, being the most common but revered title of all Akan chiefs, my assertion caused a bit of confusion. 

However, it must be noted that no language stands in isolation. For example, the word "Papa" cuts across many local languages and all means, father. The Gas of Accra call cassava, 'duade' and the central Guan states, ie, Awutu, Senya and Simpa  (Winneba), also have same word, 'Dwadi', with same meaning. In the same breath "Nana" is a Senya word but it  carries a completely different meaning in Akan. While to the Akans it is a title for kings and refers to ancestors, in Senya it refers only to "Good Ancestors" while the title for a chief is "Nenyi". A bad ancestor is referred to as "Sombi", meaning "child of slavery". 

Several Senya words are lost to the present generation and as a result the ones we have dug out through tireless research from oral traditions seem strange to readers. For example, the word "Nya", meaning festival, and the word, "Onutɔ", meaning drinking water, are virtually unknown today. Festival is largely referred to as " Efi", which rather means "year"; and drinking water is simply referred to as "Nsu", which in Senya rather means river. 

Again, many Senya words have root meanings attached to customs and traditions, though they are sadly lost in the culture of the present generation. And the reason is that Senya is not taught in schools while Fante dominates the society. 

The word "Nana" in Senya has it root as "Walked walk" (na-ina) which implies a good journey accomplished. In Senya tradition, life is assumed as a journey everybody is embarking upon. And it is said of those who journey well before death as _"Mo nna ina papa"_, literally means "He has walked a good walk." Therefore, ancestors who came to earth and walked well by living good life and that their footsteps are worth emulating, are referred to as "Na-ina", granting us the name, "Nana". 

Unfortunately, as I have sadly noted, because this word is a very prominent word among Akans and Akans seem to dominate our society, it is erroneously assumed it has has no place in the Senya language and has therefore disappeared from contemporary local vocabulary.  

May this little piece bring it back and restore its richness in the Senya language.

,.................................................................

*YOU ARE INVITED TO THE ANATHALLO CHAPEL INT. 31st WATCH NIGHT SERVICE 

with Rev. Abeiku Okai

VENUE: Idi Yompo Temple, Senya Beraku, opposite AntHill Hotel, Aroja Junction. 

TIME: 8:00pm to 1:00am

It's a signs and wonders Watch Night, celebrating the Redemptive Works of Christ. *GRACE4GRACE*

0249287855.

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